Essex: Fuel blockades 'still in the melting pot'

The comments came following a meeting of the People's Fuel Lobby in Kent attended by hauliers, drivers and members of the public on Wednesday.

Ian Gordon, from Basildon, who led action at BP's Coryton plant, said he had resolved to take part in a mass rally in London on November 14.

He felt the meeting had been well supported and had strengthened protesters' resolve. He said: "The rally will be a peaceful protest but is intended to demonstrate our determination.

"We will have to see what the Chancellor says in his pre-Budget report. There is still a possibility of our going back to the refineries, everything is still in the melting pot."

Should the blockadesand fuel protests re-start? Have your say - vote on our homepage Meanwhile, south Essex fishermen were not ruling out blockades but resolved at a meeting on Wednesday to favour peaceful demonstrations.

Police will keep to soft-style approach

Thestrong views on how the Premier wants police to deal with another fuel crisis has not altered the action plan of Essex Police, it was revealed.

Prime Minister Tony Blair has said police will act "quickly and decisively" in the event of further fuel protests.

But Essex Police have confirmed they will once again take a more softly, softly approach if refineries such as Coryton become the subject of blockades.

A spokeswoman said: "During the last protest we did not need to use force because the protesters were not blocking the refineries - the tanker drivers simply did not try to leave. We give a presence to these incidents mainly to ensure things are keeping within the law."

She added: "We had plans in place last time and did not have reason to act. Mr Blair might have different plans for moving tankers but our action plan is the same."

By Samuel Smith

Reporter's e-mail: sam.smith@notes.newsquest.co.uk

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